(TES) — This year, the Tatagas bestow honor and appreciation to excellent educators who serve as shining examples for students and the community of Tanapag Elementary School. The Tatagas are very proud to honor its Teacher of the Year, Ms. Veronica Camacho; Instructor of the Year, Ms. YoanaAchen, Counselor of the Year, Ms. Shimiko Montgomery; Librarian of the Year, Mrs. Elena Parico; Teacher Aide of the Year, Ms. Lucia Lieto; Administrative Staff of the Year, Mr. Antonio Kikuo; and Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year, Mr. John Somol.
Three talented and up-and-coming journalists from Tanapag Elementary School, Rinisa B. Torres, Francine Rago, and Julie Anne Loong, students from Ms. Deborah Moore’s sixth grade class, conducted interviews with teachers, staff, students and parents about the special qualities shared by these excellent educators.
Ms. Veronica Camacho
Teacher of the Year
Interviewed by Rinisa Torres
Ms. Camacho was chosen as teacher of the year. We’ve learned so much from her. I’ve interviewed some people on campus, here’s what they said.
I asked several people “What do you like most about Ms. Camacho?” A former student of Ms. Camacho said “She’s a very helpful, kindhearted, and loving teacher.” One of the teachers said that she’s a warm person: she’s warm, friendly, and has a good heart. A parent said “She works very well with the younger kids and she’s like a mother to all of them.” If you haven’t met Ms. Camacho yet, she’s the nicest person you’ll ever meet. Another question we asked was “How has Ms. Camacho helped you in school?” One student said “She has taught me what is right and wrong, how to behave, and most importantly, how to be a good person.” A teacher said that she can talk to her about school issues and she’s always willing to lend a hand with activities and/or school events. A parent said “She contributes a lot to students’ education today.” Ms. Camacho is a very helpful and caring person.
The last question I asked people was “How does Ms. Camacho make the school a better place?” A teacher said “She teaches her classes well, participates in school activities and events, and collaborates well with her colleagues. A student said that she shows her support in school activities and gives anyone a helping hand when they’re in need. A parent said “She has the patience and love for the younger kids, and they all love her too.” Ms.Camacho is one of the many teachers that have the patience for the little kids, even when they give her a hard time. I interviewed Ms. Camacho about how she felt about being chosen as teacher of theyear. She said “I feel good. I thank all my colleagues that selected me. I feel like I’m doing something good with my students and the school.” She’s been at Tanapag Elementary for six years and she likes the students and staff here. Her message to everyone is “Everybody has to communicate concerning their child’s interest in school. We all have to work together.”
Ms. Yoana Achen
Instructor of the Year
Interviewed by Rinisa Torres
Ms. Achen has been selected as instructor of the year. I interviewed some people and asked them questions about Ms. Achen. Here is what they said.
I asked several people these questions. “What do you like most about Ms. Achen?” A student said “She gives us fun, but challenging work.” A teacher said that “Ms. Achen works very well with the kids and does a lot of hands-on activities.” A parent said “She teaches the students very well and they learn a lot from her. Ms. Achen is a very Loving, Caring, and kind teacher.” “How has Ms. Achen helped you at school?” A parent said “She tells me how my child is doing in school and what she needs to do to improve.” One teacher said “She’s helped me work with students’ behavior when there’s something wrong.” A student said “Ms. Achen helps me with work I don’t understand.” Ms. Achen is a very patient person.
The last question I asked “How does Ms. Achen make the school a better place?” One teacher said “She works with the students and communicates with the parents.” A student said “Ms. Achen tells everyone to treat everybody with respect and love.” A parent said “Ms. Achen knows how to control the kids when something goes wrong. Ms. Achen is a lenient teacher, but strict when she needs to be.”
I asked Ms. Achen how she felt as being selected as instructor of the year. She said she feels great, happy, and she loves working with the staff and students. I also asked her how long she’s been at Tanapag and what she likes about it. She’s been here for 20 years and she loves working with the staff and students. A message that she would like to share is “I would like to thank my colleagues, the students, and the community.”
Ms. Shimiko Montgomery
Counselor of the Year
Interviewed by Julie Loong
Ms. Shimiko Montgomery was selected as Counselor of the Year. In my opinion, she truly deserves to receive this award. I’ve interviewed some other people and they have all agreed, so let’s see what they said.
I asked a 6th grade student the following questions, “Please tell me what you like most about Ms. Shimiko?” She replied, “She tells us not to be bullies.” “How has Ms. Shimiko helped you at school?” She answered, “She tells us that we could reach our goals by doing it our way.” “How does Ms. Shimiko make the school a better place?” Her reply was, “She teaches students not to bully other students and we can talk to her if we have problems. I asked a few parents the same questions. They said, “She’s nice, she encourages students, and she makes students feel safe.”
I interviewed Ms. Shimiko with the following questions. I asked her, “How do you feel about being selected as Counselor of the Year?” She replied, “It’s a fun award and I am honored. I love my job and all the kids I work with and that itself is an award.” “How long have you been at TAN and what do you like about TAN?” Her answer was, “I’ve been here for two years and I love how friendly the community is, how welcoming the students have been, and how hard working the staff is.” She says, “Every child has the potential to be something great and as counselors and teachers and just people in the community, it’s our job to help each child reach that potential.”
Mrs. Elena Parico
Librarian of the Year
Interviewed by Francine Rago
Mrs. Parico has been here for three years. She is greatly honored for the award. One of the students said that “she is very kind and helpful for picking out books”. Another student said that “She puts the students before her because to her as long as she can help she is happy”. Mrs. Parico makes this school a better place by enabling students to read more books. She would like to thank all the students who appreciate her services and the faculty and staff has always shown their out pouring support for all library activities and the administrators are always there to guide and support with the parents and guardians of the students. They’re always there to support to help solve obligation of their children without hesitations. She has a heartfelt appreciation to the public school system for having the chance to serve once again and thank you very much.
Mrs. Lucia Lieto
Teacher Aide of the Year
Interviewed by Francine Rago
Ms. Lou has been a teacher at Tanapag for eighteen years. Some students said “she is very good at disciplining children.” Another student said that she never gives up even though it is hard. Most students said their favorite thing about Ms. Lou is that she knows all the students are the same. When she received the award she felt really happy and she would like to thank everyone. Her message is to thank all the students and staff who supported her along the way.
Mr. Antonio Kikuo
Administrative Staff
of the Year
Interviewed by Julie Loong
Mr. Antonio Kikuo, better known as Mr. TJ, was selected as Administrative Staff of the Year. He has truly helped us in a lot of things. I interviewed students, parents, and Mr. TJ himself. Check out what they said.
I asked a couple of 5th graders the following questions, “Please tell me what you like most about Mr. TJ?” They replied, “He’s nice.” “How has Mr. TJ helped you at school?” They replied, “He fixed our computers when they were not working right.” “How does Mr. TJ make this school a better place?” They replied, “He helps us during any problem of computers and we all really appreciate it.” I asked several parents the same questions. They said, “He’s very helpful, he helps students, and he makes students feel safe especially during dismissal time.”
I interviewed Mr. TJ. I asked him the following questions, “How do you feel about being selected as Administrative Staff of the Year?” He replied, “I’m really happy about it.” “How long have you been at TAN and what do you like about TAN?” His answer was, “I’ve worked here for three and a half years and I like this school because it’s small and has a lot to do.” He also said, “Work hard and have fun!”
Mr. Juan Somol
Trade and Maintenance
Staff of the Year
Interviewed by Julie Loong
Mr. Somol was selected as Trade and Maintenance Staff of the Year. He is a hardworking man. I’ve interviewed students, parents, and Mr. Somol himself. Let’s see what they said
I asked a 4th grader the following questions, “Please tell me what you like most about Mr. Somol?” He replied, “He takes care of us.” “How has Mr. Somol helped you at school?” He replied, “He cleans our school.” “How does Mr. Somol make the school a better place?” He replied, “He keeps our school clean and tells students who are doing something wrong to stop.” I asked a parent the same questions and her answers were, “He’s a good man, he’s knowledgeable, hardworking, and has a good sense of humor. He provides materials and supplies to students when they need them, he takes care of job requests promptly, he supervises children in the morning and afternoon, and keeps our campus safe and orderly. He also handles emergencies well and has a positive attitude.”
I interviewed Mr. Somol. I asked him the following questions, “How do you feel about being selected as Trade and Maintenance Staff of the Year?” He replied, “I’m happy that I’ve been selected.” “How long have you been at TAN and what do you like about TAN?” He answered, “I’ve been here for 20 years and I like everything about the school. I enjoy working here.” He also said, “Thanks to all the staff for making me Trade and Maintenance Staff of the Year. I really appreciate it.”
